FIRE COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA
ACCEPTS DONATION OF NEW AMBULANCE FROM
THE GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today accepted the donation of an ambulance from the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). The donation was a product of the GFWC's fundraising campaign titled "Operation Firefighter," in which the organization collected funds from its members nationally to help the FDNY rebuild after the losses suffered on 9-11 and comes following the conclusion of National EMS Week. Judy Lutz, GFWC International President, members of the GFWC, and top officials of the FDNY joined Commissioner Scoppetta at the event.

"Operation Firefighter" was established following 9-11 when the GFWC began receiving scores of letters and emails from women's clubs both in New York State and nationally. The letters and emails expressed concern for the FDNY as well as an overwhelming need to help in some way. After conferring with officials at the FDNY, the GFWC established the campaign and raised funds to purchase a brand new ambulance for FDNY EMS Command.

"This donation is representative of the overwhelming outpouring of support that the FDNY has received since 9-11," said Commissioner Scoppetta. "We thank the members of the GFWC from all across the country that have contributed to the purchase of this brand new ambulance for the members of EMS Command."

Judy Lutz said, "Donations large and small were received from clubwomen nationwide. One club sent the proceeds from its annual fundraising dance; a member in Florida donated as a Christmas gift to her father; a club in California sent the proceeds from its bazaar; a member sent $500 in honor of her son's 18th birthday; and dozens upon dozens of other individuals, clubs and state federations helped our organization realize its goal of providing this fully-equipped ambulance to serve the citizens of New York."

The General Federation of Women's Clubs is one of the world's oldest and largest women's volunteer service organizations. Working locally through thousands of clubs in the United Sates and in more than 20 countries, GFWC members support the arts, preserve natural resources, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, stress civic involvement, and work towards world peace.

On 9-11, the New York City Fire Department lost 91 pieces of apparatus totaling over $21 million -- including 18 engines, 15 ladders, and six ambulances. All front line equipment has been replaced. The generous outpouring of individuals, groups, companies and organizations has provided the FDNY with more than 15 new pieces of apparatus.